Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller has publicly denied allegations of physically abusing his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their daughter. Miller addressed the claims in a live-streamed video on X on Sunday morning, asserting his innocence and stating he would not withdraw from his reelection campaign.
"Let me begin with the most painful accusation of all, I have never abused our daughter," Miller said, reading from a prepared statement. "I also want to address the allegations of domestic abuse. I categorically deny abusing my former wife."
Miller, whose ex-wife is the daughter of GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, suggested that if the accusations were true, he would be in jail. He also appeared to struggle at times while reading his remarks, and his campaign released documents intended to counter the allegations.
"I'm not getting out of this race, and I'm winning in November, and I'll be back in 120th," Miller stated, indicating his intention to continue his political career. Calls for his resignation and withdrawal from the election have been made following the report of the claims.
The allegations, which first surfaced in a report by the Daily Mail, trace back to an incident on June 9, 2024. According to multiple sources, the congressman allegedly hurled a pot of boiling water at Emily Moreno during an argument at their Ohio home, with some of the water striking her chest. Their then eight-month-old daughter was reportedly present during the incident.
Moreno documented injuries on her arms and torso the day of the alleged incident. A handwritten letter attributed to Miller and reviewed by the Daily Mail, dated the same day as the boiling water incident, shows him apologizing to Moreno for failing to protect her, though he does not admit to physical abuse. In the letter, Miller expresses feelings of worthlessness and remorse, stating, "I failed to do that for you."
This is not the first time Miller has faced allegations of physical assault. Stephanie Grisham, former White House Press Secretary under President Trump, has previously accused Miller of abuse. Grisham reported that Miller allegedly pushed her against a wall and slapped her in 2020 after she accused him of cheating. In a 2021 op-ed, Grisham claimed that the Trump administration showed indifference when she disclosed her relationship with Miller had become abusive.
Miller filed a libel suit against Grisham in 2021, which was later dismissed. Sources have suggested that Miller uses litigation to silence women who accuse him of abuse, citing his financial resources.
In April, reports emerged of an active investigation by Bay Village police into suspected child abuse involving the couple's daughter, who allegedly suffered a broken collarbone and bruised shoulder. Moreno filed a motion on March 4 seeking a change in their custody arrangement, citing concerns about Miller's "dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence" and fearing that joint decisions would harm their child.
The daughter's injuries also triggered a separate investigation by the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services. Miller claimed in a March court filing that he had been "apparently cleared" by authorities, although prior reporting indicated the police investigation remained technically active.